The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced on Friday the death of Muhammad Abd al-Salam al-Yazuri, a member of the movement’s Supreme Leadership Council and commander of the Khan Younis Brigade. This came after an Israeli strike targeted him on Thursday evening in the Gaza Strip.
Al-Qassam mourns a prominent commander
The Qassam Brigades said in a statement that Yazouri was killed in the Israeli strike, noting that he was a prominent leader in the movement. He also played a key role in planning the October 7, 2023 attack.
The announcement of his death comes as Israel continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the United States is leading efforts to reach an agreement that will ensure the continuation of the ceasefire declared last year.
Israel announces targeting of leaders
For its part, the Israeli military said it killed a senior Hamas commander in a strike it carried out in the Gaza Strip the previous day. It added that the operation also killed two other Hamas leaders.
The Israeli military did not provide further details in its statement regarding the identities of the other commanders it said were killed in the strike. In contrast, the Qassam Brigades officially announced the death of al-Yazouri.
Continued escalation in Gaza
The killing of al-Yazouri comes amid continued Israeli strikes on various parts of the Gaza Strip. At the same time, political efforts are underway to solidify the ceasefire and prevent a wider escalation.
The Khan Younis Brigade is one of the military formations affiliated with the Qassam Brigades in the southern Gaza Strip. According to the movement’s statement, Yazouri is a member of its senior leadership who participated in planning military operations.
Hamas and Israel continue to trade accusations regarding ceasefire violations, while international efforts continue to reach more stable arrangements in the Gaza Strip.
